Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez.

Chicago – Kelly Dominates on the Ground vs Marine Leadership.

The 4:15 p.m. game played at Knute Rockne Stadium, Kelly took on Marine Leadership Academy with a clear focus on the run game on September 4.

Marine started with the ball, but on their first possession, a fumble was recovered by Kelly’s Sergio Cuellar, giving the Trojans excellent field position. On the very next play, Alejandro Herrera powered into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.

The score would not change until the fourth quarter, but there were three turnovers before then. Marine recovered one, with Oscar Flores making the play. Kelly had two recoveries: Jesse Herrera in the red zone and Rogelio Rivera off a punt.

In the final quarter, Kelly took full control.

Alejandro Herrera scored again on a 3-yard run. That was followed by a big play from Isaiah Lopez, who recovered an onside kick that Marine failed to secure. Shortly after, Arturo Martinez broke free for an 11-yard touchdown. The scoring was capped off by Alejandro Herrera with a 25-yard rushing touchdown, his third of the game.

FINAL: Kelly 26, Marine Leadership Academy 0

After the game, six-year head coach Eric Villarreal emphasized the team’s commitment to the ground game.
“It’s a hard fought run game that we’ve been building, working on, this whole summer,” said Villarreal. “They’re starting to kind of click and put it together. Once they bought in, it really showed.”

The WCCN Player of the Game was senior fullback Alejandro Herrera, who had three rushing touchdowns. It’s worth noting that this talented young man plays three sides of the ball. On defense he is a linebacker, and for special teams, he is the kicker and returner. He spoke about earning those three touchdown runs.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without my team,” said Herrera. “I really thank them for doing their job, for blocking. We try to get it perfect for these occasions and this is the outcome.”

He has been playing for four years and has learned a lot over those seasons. “If your team needs you, you need to step up and be there for them as they’re there for you,” Herrera stated.

“I really like to thank my parents for coming to support me.”

Villarreal added about Herrera personally, “It’s been all summer with this guy stepping up from day one in June all the way up to now. He’s been working his butt off, in practice every day, and it shows.”

Kelly’s next game will take place on September 13 vs Harlan.

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